The New Orleans Saints gave Travis Etienne $13 million per year this offseason, and he’s already out of the top 10 average salaries at the position before Week 1. When you see deals for Bijan Robinson, Jonathan Taylor and Jahmyr Gibbs get contract extensions worth over $20 million, it makes concerns about Etienne’s contract seem silly.Â
Etienne isn’t at that level, but his contract is also not remotely close to what those backs received. Players like Kenneth Walker and De’Von Achane also got paid this offseason, and Etienne made less than them.Â
The don’t pay running backs crowd is taking a big hit this offseason. The Saints are hoping their investment pays off, but the investment itself looks different than it did 4 months ago.Â
Travis Etienne can justify the Saints’ faith with 1000 yards
While it isn’t a massive contract, it is still a hefty investment that needs to be justified. Newer contracts have pushed Etienne out of the top 10 among running backs, yet the expectations don’t get pushed down with the ranking.Â
Etienne’s history says he’s a 1000 yard running back. The Saints didn’t pay him $13 million per year to leave that reputation in Jacksonville. Even with Alvin Kamara remaining on the roster, 1000 yards should still be the bar for Etienne.Â
Etienne was obviously the new lead running back the moment he signed his contract, and Kamara’s pay cut paints a picture of what their workload split will look like. Don’t expect an even 50/50 division of carries. Mickey Loomis said the new deal was meant to reflect the running back’s new role.Â
A lesser role for Kamara means Etienne should continue to hit the 200 carry mark he’s hit in most seasons. The Saints also improved their offensive line wth the signing of David Edwards.Â
Improved blocking and a heavy workload should make 1000 yards achievable once again. The Saints gave Etienne double digit millions for a reason. Newer contracts can make Etienne feel like a bargain, but he still needs to produce to make that true.Â
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